Friday, April 06, 2007

Celts, Braveheart, and Knox

I can hardly believe it's our last learning day today! I think I will forever be changed by this trip! Today we are on our way to St. Andrews. The cathedral ruins are first. It's very warm today- how nice! The celtic tombstone and Sculpture designs are amazing! I love all of the knots. After visiting the little museum, we walked to the top of the old church tower for a great view of the town and beach. Next, we looked around the castle and saw the marker for Knox's martyred mentor, W. There were many wells and counter mines with vegetation growing in them. In search of food for lunch, we found a Greggs. I had a delicious macaroni pie and chicken bake with apple juice. As the adults and guys went to see the church where Knox preached, the girls went to Starbucks. I didn't get anything to conserve pounds and I was struggling with feeling embarassed trying to get sweets for the group at Greggs. We walked down to the beach to see where Eric Liddel's chariots of fire run was filmed.

Our next drive took us to the William Wallace memorial. I guess I need to see Braveheart. It was very interesting to learn about his legacy and inspiration. Now after taking the long trek back down the tower stairs and rocky hill, we are enjoying our last bus trip. It's time for dinner and devotions! Tomorrow, we shop all day in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile & Princes Street. Some of us girls are meeting for tea.

Things I want to get tomorrow: bagpipes, G&G mitzel gift, kilt, thistle something, lion clothing, Scotland shirt

Mike: "The queen mum dropped off her perch."

peely wally = not feeling well
kirk = church
mind = remember
cranny = crack
neuk = corner
brady = pie
daft = crazy
cranky = grouchy
glen = vally
loch = lake
tatty bogle = scarecrow
tatty = dirty

Labels: Edinburgh, Scotland, St. Andrews

NatNannyNad at 12:23 PM

0comments

Thursday, April 05, 2007

I don't feel well today, but after croissants, rollos, and a beautiful sunny landscapes, I'm doing fine! I'm excited to see Holy Island! The water is sparkling as we drive along the sandy road. There's so many people going to Lyndis Farne! As we walked down the streets of the island, the wind blew some of the heat away. At the museum, we learned about the monastary and all of the important saints there like Cuthbert and Oswald. Walking around the ruins was magnificent. The sandstone arches, view of the water, and cute baby lambs made for a lovely afternoon.

Next, we enjoyed our last sack lunches and rode to Edinburgh. At the border, we took a pic by the Scotland plaque. I loved being at the castle! Our guide had the best accent and little curly reddish brown hair! We split up and I went to the war memorial first. There were two Scottish men who died in WWI named George Spencer. I wonder what clan I'm in then. Next, we saw the crown jewels. I really like the "foresty" look of the sword (like oak) and the huge pearl and diamond necklace. Sarr, Mr. Lugg, Mrs. Frisk, Levi, and I then explored the area for prisoners, the artillery display, and the war museum briefly. The views from the castle walls were amazing! The trip also helped me to understand the history of Scots and the difference between their country and England. Knowing I am from both "countries," I will wear my Celtic ring proudly! I love that knot design!

As we toured through the city we went up a hill (scraping the back of the bus on every speed bump). We got a great outlook on the new and old. Even a Roman style monument was present. Pretty! Our last hostel is very snazzy! The pasta and salad was the best meal of the trip and the beds are very soft. All girls together again! meeting time...

reever = robber
clans break into sects
M-road = motorway (freeway-green signs)
A-road = not as major (red)
B-road = rough/small
tenaments = apartments
gh = ah

In Scotland, there are phesant, daffodils, horses, and sheep EVERYWHERE!

Labels: Edinburgh, England, Holy Island, Scotland

NatNannyNad at 12:05 PM

0comments

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Shrines, Romans, and Walls

Today is the big drive day. I probably won't have much to write. We are going to Durham, so I'm taking a nap! We walked through the cathedral and saw St. Cuthbert, Oswald's head, and the Venerable Bede. It was all in the same 'ol Norman style. The sun made the stained glass shine beautiful colors inside. Kim, Es, Angela, and I went down the cobblestone to a jewelry shop. It was beautiful, but too expensive for my liking. Back on the bus, we ate our lunches. Later, we took a pit stop. Inside the building was a Marks & Spencer. I got 2 4-packs of hot cross buns (they were buy 1 get 1 50% off so I got 1 regular & 1 apple & cinnamon) and a wee chocolate duck. As the sun got lower in the sky, we explored Vindolanda. The ruins were great to climb on and my bare feet on the grass felt wonderful! We were all giggly doing cartwheels, videos, and singing. I loved the ancient Roman fuzzy red hat topper they had found.

We had dinner at Once Brewed hostel and all the GBC people walked up the hilly grass and through sheep pens along Hadrian's wall. Gorgeous view & sunset! After the meeting, Kate and I wrote the online Grace Academy journal (usually supplied by Mr. Lugg) as a sonnet.

~~~
The Fourth of April
written in ye olde style of the Shakespearean Sonnet
by the Kate and Nat


Upon leaving the hostel in Stratford we took a long drive.
The sun shining brightly was warming the faces of all.
On grassy green hills behind stones, the sheep bleet and thrive.
In Durham cathedral we ambled the corridor and hall.
After viewing tombs of Oswald and Bede, we entered some shops.
A few found the bridge with beautiful views of the town,
And back on the bus, we eagerly awaited next stop.*
Eating sack lunches and scarfing the goodies all down,
Exploring Vindolanda, we climbed the old forts and walls.
Mr. Lugg running and jumping o’er crum-bling steps,
And girls doing cartwheels while filming with giggles and falls.
Then in the temple for nymphs Ian sang from his depths.
Artifacts next, and then we wandered the store.
Climbing Hadrian’s wall, the sunset brought darkness once more.



*in later editions, or Kaitlynn Revised Version, some scholars have found a varying line: “Climbing back on the bus, we asked of our next stop.”


A group of students hiked up to walk along Hadrian's Wall after dinner making a nice sunset scene; Andrea and Kim; Ian, the one who has been behind the camera for all the blog pictures so far.
~~~

Well driven = How's my driving?
Running to timetable = on time

Random things I've noticed:
-alot of people smoke, especially teen-40s
-daffodils are everywhere along the road (wild? randomly planted?)
-stores have websites on their signs
-cash registers have pop-up lids for $

Levi: "Hey, Ian, you could be a sheep dog!"
Kim: "I got wounded by a Sss-WORd!" (her attempt at a British accent to which I said:)
Me: "You ARE terrible!"

Labels: England, Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda

NatNannyNad at 11:48 AM

0comments

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

CS, Oxford, and Lear

Today we are heading to the Kilns. Sarr and John talked about him on the loudspeaker as we fought all of the road traffic. He's fascinating! I want to read the Narnia series again now. The house is very simple but quaint. The 2 guides were wonderfully friendly. One was a younger widow from Houston and another was an Oxford grad from California. We walked through the home and then explored the forest nearby. There was a pond with geese and a dead snake by the bunker. What a beautiful place to walk and write!

Next, we visited Oxford. John led us through. It seemed to be a bit dirtier than Cambridge and more in-city as well. We saw the college where Harry Potter's Great Hall scenes are filmed and the Thames which is called Isis in Oxford. When we finished shopping a bit, it was back to the hostel for dinner. Fish, potatoes, and salad!! Our new guide, Mike, ate with us. He is so different from John! He talked for most of the ride- he knows so much.

We quickly got ready for the King Lear performance. The attendants were kind of snooty, but we ignored it and found our "seats." They were 3rd level standing. My feet hurt very much by the end, but I enjoyed watching with my glasses. Some things didn't match the play, but the acting was good. They probably just followed the director's vision anyway. The awkward part was Lear being totally naked for a few seconds when he was going mad. Es and I quickly ducked, but not before being scarred for life! :/ I thought it was cool to see so many of these actors I had watched in movies:

Goneril- Frances Barber- Castaway
Cordelia- Romola Garai- Amazing Grace, Havana Nights, Nicholas Nickleby
Kent- Jonathan Hyde- Joan of Arc, Titantic, Jumanji, Richie Rich, The Mummy
Lear- Ian McKellen- Lord of the Rings, X-Men, DaVinci Code, Harry Potter
Edmund- Philip Winchester- Flyboys, Patriot

Look at all those famous people! I enjoyed the costumes and stages and the famous lines for sure! Goodnight!

Labels: England, Kilns, King Lear, Oxford, Theatre

NatNannyNad at 11:36 AM

0comments

Monday, April 02, 2007

Bunyan, Hathaway, Shakespeare

After a loud and unrestful night, I quickly finished getting ready and greatly enjoyed a soft croissant along with my typical chocomilk. All of us were fairly tired, so we napped on the way to Bedford, Olney, and Elstow. The first church was that of John Bunyan. The windows honoring him were very pretty. They depicted the war between good and evil and the journey of Christian from Pilgrim's Progress. The jolly gentleman leading us around had many stories to tell. We closed by attempting to sing Bunyan's hymn, but none of us knew the tune! It was hard not to laugh and at least it made me forget how cold it was! :) I loved looking at the stone architecture.

Next, we travelled to Moot Hall, the site of a town fair (which inspired Vanity Fair). We learned that while in prison, Bunyan made shoe laces to support his family. The kind, older woman shakily made it up the stairs to tell us more about Bunyan. They had old furniture and many different translations of Pilgrim's. The first floor had a fascinating display on making lace. Looks hard! Next, we drove to another church with St. Peter & St. Paul in its name. Queen Elizabeth was honored there as well as John Newton and Cowper. Their stained glass depicted the boat in a storm (Newton's conversion), slaves, a calm boat in the ocean, and a preaching Newton. At his grave, we decided to remember to sing Amazing Grace at our devotion/metting time later on.

Leaving famous preachers, authors, and hymnwriters, we headed for Stratford to see a famous playwrite. Anne Hathaway's cottage was first after we ate our sack lunches. The house and gardens were adorable. It was very interesting to hear about their daily life as well-off farmers. I loved the oven and dough trough and the very low ceilings. I still don't understand why she, a 26-year-old, married an 18-year-old. Hmm... We were able to go through the gift and garden shop there. Many people found nice gifts. As we rode through Stratford-Upon-Avon, we came to Shakespeare's birthplace and browsed through the museum. I didn't know his father was a "tinkerer" and a glover among many other things. It's amazing how little we know about such a prolific writer! They talked alot about his family and the first tour guide about the area, so that is very telling of the missing facts.

We were all excited to shop along the street. Mr. Lugg even bought us ice cream. I got raspberry ripple- Yum! We found great souvenirs, cashmere, kilts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, candy, jewelry, and wool. I only have 63 pounds left now...

The Stratford hostel was very nice. I had pasta, potatoes, and salad for dinner. All girls but Angela and Mrs. Frisk were in the same room. Kim, Es, and I had a great time talking alone! I love our close conversations! The meeting room was very comfy and we had our devotions there. In the room, our trio ate candy and Kim had a craving for sparkling water, and my sheets wer enot present, so we went downstairs twice! The guy who got sheets for me had his fly down... We had much to laugh about that night. At least our door would finally lock so no one would bother our fun!

Me to Kim: "I'm not sure what that would accomplish." (my response to Kim's offer of shouting, "I love Levi!" into the guys room)
Mr. Lugg: "WHEW!" (his reaction to a curious bathroom smell left by a certain someone who is not me)

Labels: Bedford, Elstow, England, Olney, Stratford-Upon-Avon

NatNannyNad at 11:03 AM

0comments

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Dover, Canterbury, and Cambridge

Today was beautiful! The bright sun warmed up the green hillsides with tiny yellow flowers. It was very exciting to see after so much cold and rain. We could even watch little white fluffy sheep grazing as we drove to Canterbury. Today we went to the cathedral for a morning service and “look around.” Leaving the Dover hostel last night was bittersweet because the girls enjoyed sharing a Snow Retreat-like room all together. Our laughter was a continuation from dinnertime where many stories and jokes were told. Before dinner, we had found a gem of a grocery store where we bought mints and chocolates. But, back to today:

On the way to church, everyone looked quietly out the window or took a quick nap before the service. It felt good to be dressier as we visited such a historical place of worship. Temporarily saying goodbye to our driver, John (he had to return to Dover to pick up some forgotten electronic devices), we enjoyed the brick houses with ivy crawling up the side amid vintage windows. Walking down cobblestone paths leading to the cathedral, we heard the echoing bells calling the town to the service. We attended a short Matins prayer session in honor of Lent and repeated truths after hearing Scripture read. The Old Testament passage was from Hosea which we had just read at devotions the night before. The New Testament passage was 1 Corinthians. Afterwards, we wandered around the nave and then the grounds, admiring the stone-and-brick-inlay walls and bright English daisies and daffodils. Both Saint Augustine and Thomas Abeckett were honored in the main part of the cathedral.

Eventually, as we looked at inscriptions and architecture in the cloisters (outer walkway/court), a donkey was led by. The church was preparing for a singing procession in honor of the Triumphal Entry. We watched the congregation walk by and then entered the Chapter House where the “quire” had been. The stained glass windows were once again, beautiful. Next, we explored the crypt with many tomb markers and chapels for saints. There was even a French Protestant church that met in the Black Prince’s room in the crypt. After Mr. Lugg picked up a guidebook, we continued our “tour” and admired the Romanesque and Gothic architecture styles. As we made our way outside to the crumbling arches of the former hospital, we saw the still unfinished tower from the 10th century. We all carried our little palm crosses (a Lent pilgrimage gift from a priest) across the windy courtyard to explore the gift shop. If not everyone, most bought something. J We got back on the road again to head for Cambridge.

The town was magnificent, as was our tour guide, Mr. Macaulay (son-in-law of Francis Schaffer). He led us on a tour beginning in the Round Church. Each of the colleges we successively visited had its own unique background and famous alumni. Some were Puritan (Emmanuel and Sussex), while others were from wealthy benefactors or kings. The chapels contained ornate wood carving, statues, memorial plaques, and stained glass windows to honor God and the notable fellows of the colleges. Along with us on the tour were three German tourists, one of whom had been studying English at Cambridge. It was a sweet time of fellowship.

Mr. Macaulay often mentioned the “two cities”: the mindset and focus of one way as compared to the modern mindset and focus. The University used to be God-centered and –honoring, but with the Age of Reason came questioning and doubt. Men did all they could to use science to deny and explain away God even though brilliant and famous men before them had done otherwise (C.S. Lewis, Newton, Bacon, etc…).

We also were able to attend part of a service for a martyr, John Hullier. The Presbyterian church of the area was honoring him with a plaque to be placed on a tree where he had been burned at the stake. His testimony was amazing and singing a hymn on that grassy knoll was unforgettable.

Bicyclists flew by us as we enjoyed the River Cam. As the tour came to an end (already being wonderfully longer and more detailed than usual), our charming guide asked us to have tea with him. Mrs. Frisk and we all eagerly agreed and headed back to the Round Church. It was delicious! Mrs. Frisk also bought a book Mr. Macaulay suggested called “For the Glory of God.” He was a special resource- we were all impressed by the old university town and mourned the lack of spiritual fervor of its people.

Back on the bus, we traveled down the road to our next hostel. Finally, we could do some laundry. Next, we met up for a delicious dinner and devotions. After a rich and full day, each set of 2-3 in a room found rest enough to begin “Week 2.”

Mr. Sarr: "If you can find me a dog that poops ice cream, I'll take it!"
Me to Kim: "How you feel about sheets is how I feel about thongs." (HATE)
Angela: "I don't want anymore one-nighters!" (regarding hostel stays)

Labels: Cambridge, Canterbury, Dover, England

NatNannyNad at 11:01 AM

0comments

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Rouen, Notre Dame, and Bon Bons

We were able to sleep in a bit this morning which was wonderful! As we were getting breakfast, a woman thought I was French. I severely disappointed her. Once again, I wish I knew every language. I had fruit, applesauce-type stuff, jam & butter croissant, and orange juice. We waited 1 hr for the Luggs who had accidentally slept in.

Notre Dame cathedral was once again very impressive. The vocalizing of the choir was so beautiful. There was a monument to Joan of Arc and the heart of King Richard. The difference between the English churches and the French seems to be minimal. The French have side rooms to pray to certain saints and plainer chairs. Much of the cathedral was destroyed and raided during the World Wars.

Next, we waved goodbye to the beautiful stained-glass windows and the men collecting Euro donations to find food and chocolate. I found a cute bon bon shop and bought a big bag of various shaped milk & white chocolate w/hazelnut cream bon bons. Then, we found another set of bakeries in the street. I got a mozzarella, ham, and butter baguette. To use up my 3 euros, I got 3 pasteries (raspberry tart & pear bar). They were both delicious, perfect-looking, and had a wonderful glaze top. I also got a postcard and more candy for Katie. I might put together a bag of candy and stuff for Becs, Sarah, and Emma, so I don't have to buy more than I already have. We are now off to the Calais to Dover ferry. Now that my camera is charged, it's picture time! Goodbye France!

We made it to the vintage hostel and had a great night with a walk to a cheap super market and had hot drinks during devotions. Nearly every hostel has had this great vending machine. My favorite is the choco milk (hot chocolate), but I am also trying
to like tea.

femme = woman
somme = man
bon = good

Purchases: kinder bars, postcards, pasteries, souvenir coin

Angela: "Mmm..." (in response to Australian men)
Mr Lugg: "This is happy." (describing French baguette sandwiches)

Labels: Calais, Dover, France, Notre Dame, Rouen

NatNannyNad at 10:36 AM

0comments